Over several decades, the gambling and gaming industry has undergone numerous transformations. These changes persist in the modern world and have evolved to include technological advancements.
With the introduction of cryptocurrency into casinos last year, many predict that this year will be another exciting one, with new trends set to redefine and transform entire areas of this massive industry.
To help you better navigate the online gambling arena, we consulted experts at online casino to help us select the top 5 online gambling trends today:
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Rapidly Changing Consumer Habits
With everyone owning a mobile device, mobile and social gaming have had a significant impact on the online gambling world.
More and more gamblers choose their smartphones when betting. This led to a significant increase in F2P (free-to-play) game products worldwide.
While free-to-play games do not generate direct profits or income and are primarily intended for entertainment purposes, revenue can be generated in other ways. Players frequently pay a small fee to upgrade their favourite game in order to gain access to certain features.
They are also willing to pay a small fee when purchasing various virtual offerings and game products. This is a clear sign that people are willing to spend money on entertainment; even when something deemed free is not completely free.
Both online and casino operators are working hard to use this data to their advantage because these F2P players are potential clients. If tapped, their strength in numbers will increase revenue massively.
Cryptocurrencies
Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin have the potential to supplement traditional currencies and even replace them in some cases. However, online casinos should keep a few things in mind before accepting cryptocurrency payments from customers.
Anonymity is a core promise of cryptocurrencies: crypto transactions are untraceable (or very difficult to trace), making them ideal for users who want to remain anonymous online. While this is a step in the right direction for data protection, it is a step back for online gambling.
KYC obligations require online casinos and sportsbooks to collect certain information about their customers in order to protect them and prevent corruption. This requirement contradicts the anonymity offered by cryptocurrencies.
Furthermore, while cryptocurrencies are becoming increasingly popular, they are still a long way from becoming fully mainstream.
As things stand, adding cryptocurrency payment methods to online casinos and betting shops’ apps is not financially viable. This means that gambling operators do not need to be concerned about how to deal with the anonymity issue associated with cryptocurrencies just yet.
Enhanced Visual Experience
We don’t even have to mention that the visual experience that online casinos provide users is improving year after year, and this trend is expected to continue.
Some of the best providers and developers are now working to make online casinos as modern and cutting-edge as possible. Users are now expecting more modern graphics and life-like experiences, and they will get them.
Some online casinos are also expected to use virtual tables and live dealers to bring the live element to users playing online at home.
VR Technology
What is the first thing you think of when you hear virtual reality? Is it horror films and adventure games?
The great news is that VR is no longer limited to those: Today, we have online casinos employing this technology.
Rather than staring at your PC or smartphone screen for hours bashing at poker tables, VR headsets can give you an immersive experience similar to a real-life casino.
You no longer need to visit a land-based casino to feel like you’re in one with this new technology. The headsets transport your sensory organs to the reality of a real-life casino from the comfort of your home.
Gambling on a Smartwatch
For many years, smartwatches were used to track heart rate, blood pressure, steps, and other insignificant daily metrics. However, there is more to the dynamics of these watches nowadays.
Sign up for your favourite online casino, fund your account, play the desired game, and withdraw your winnings on your smartwatch.
If you enjoy following gambling events as they unfold, this new trend is one you cannot afford to miss.
Assume you placed a bet on some football matches and now want to know how the games are progressing. To keep up with the latest scores, simply swipe your smartwatch.
And, if necessary, change your bets or add new bets if you suspect your current stakes will result in a losing bet.
Keep up With Gambling Trends
Based on current trends, the gaming industry appears to be on the rise.
Continuous progress in the adoption of cryptocurrency, gaming habits, and the use of cutting-edge technology demonstrates that the casino industry is catering to its customers.
While competition is fierce, it only serves to propel the industry forward.